Playing attachment for musical instruments.



APPLICATION FILED AUG. 23, 1906.

Patented Aug. 18, 1914,

9 SHEETS-$113K! 1.

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B. T. TURNEY. PLAYING ATTACHMENT FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 23, 1906;

1,107,557, Patented Aug. 18, 1914.

9 SHEETS SHEET 34 E.T.TURNEY. PLAYING ATTACHMENT FOB MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, APPLICATION FILED AUG. 23, 1906.

1,1 07,557. Patented Aug. 18, 191% 9 SHEETS'QHEU'T 4,

I "117 53 Wag J I Lzaa ga E. T. TURNEY. PLAYING ATTACHMENT FOB MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. APPLICATION FILED we. 23, 1906.

1,107,557, V 74 Patented Aug. 18, 1914 9 SHEETSSHEET 5.

E T.TURNEY. PLAYING ATTACEMENT FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS I APPLICATION rush 10.23, 1906. 7 1,107,557. Patentgd Aug.1-8, 1914.

I wfimms-sm'm'r s.

Z26 0 521531 Z515 w E. T. TURNEY. PLAYING ATTACHMENT roamusmr ms'raumnuws. APPLICATION FILED AUG. 23, 1906.

Patented Aug. 18, 1914.

210 J 7 /F0 O E T. TURNEY.

PLAYKKG ATTACHMENT FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

APPLIUATXOEI FILED M1023. 1005.

1,107,557. Patented A 18: E914:

' 4 klii.

' prise a top 53 and a bottom 54 (see Fig. 3),

s 001 or drum; Fig. 32- is a sectional view on line 32-452 of Fig. 28; Fig. 33 is a sectional view on line 33-33 of Fig. 28; Fig. 34 is a detail perspective view of the lock and releasing device for the record rewinding mechanism; Fig. 35 is an enlarged detail view of the lock; Fig. 36 is an elevation of the check controlled mechanism for comp leting the circuit to operate the motor;

ig. 37 is a sectional view on line 37-37 of Fig. 36; Fig. 38 is a diagrammatic view of the circuit; Fig. 39 is an elevation of the tripping mechanism for breaking the circuit to stop the motor; Fig. 40 is a sectional view on line 4040 of Fig. 1.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the several views.

In this exemplification, the invention is shown as applied to an ordinary upright piano, the numeral 50 designating generally the casing, 51 the key-board, and 52 the piano action. An individual pneumatic action is provided for each key or action, and as they are all of. the same construction the detailed description of one will apply to them all. These pneumatic actions preferably comwhich are connected by a flexible member 55 surrounding the edges and connecting the same to form a bellows. In the bottom 54, adjacent the small end of the bellows is an aperture or opening 56 which is closed by a suitable valve 57, preferably in the form of a flap valve which is located on the out side or lower face 0 fthe bottom 54, and is preferably provided with a projection 57 adapted to extend into the opening 56.

A cap or cover 58 is provided as a protection for the valve 57, and has an opening 59 which is preferably closed by a piece of reticulated material 60, such as wire gauze or the like, to prevent dirt or foreign matter from passing the valve 57 and entering into the pneumatic. The top 53 is also provided with an aperture 61 adjacent and reg istering with the aperture 56 and is of diameter somewhat larger than the diameter of the aperture 56.

Secured to and supported by the top 53 is a valve casing designated generally by the numeral 62, and this casi'ligis provided with a compartment or chandler 63 which com municates with the aperture or opening 61. Secured between the casip and the top 53 is a support or guide 0'4 which provided with a raised portion 65 on its u ppcr face to form a vaive seat (see Fig. 4). Above the chamber or compartment 63 is another compartment or diaphragm chamber 66 between which chamber and the chamber 63 is an aperture or opening 67, which is located in sure a position as to register with an opening in the Q l {I support. 64. The top of this comp artmcnt 1 ment or chamber 63 and the interior 0 or chamber 66 is closed by a diaphragm 68 of any suitable material which in turn is covered by a suitable cap or cover 69. A valve 70 is located and moves within the compartment or chamber 63 and is adapted to engage and rest upon the valve seat 65 to close the communicating opening between the compartthe pneumatic. This valve is provided with a stem 71 which projects above the top and bottom thereof. The portion of the stem projecting from the bottom of the valve extends through the opening in the support or guide 64 and into the. opening 56 in the bottom 54 of the pneumatic, and is of such a length that when the top and bottom 5354 are separated from each other its extremity will engage the projection 57 to slightly open the valve 57, but when the pneumatic is collapsed, in a manner to be set forth, the end of the stem will engage the projection 57 and seat the valve57. The upper portion of the stem which projects above the valve extends through the opening 67 and into the diaphragm chamber or compartment- 66, and is provide-(l with a head 72 which normally stands adjacent the diaphragm 68.

Adjacent the compartment or chamber 63 and the diaphragm chamber or compartment 66 is a third compartment or chamber 73, which is provided with an opening in the top thereof into which is preferably in sorted one end of a tubular member 74 the free extremity of which projects above the top of the chamber for a purpose to be hereinafter set forth. The diaphragm chamber or compartment 66 communicates with the compartment or chamber 7 3 by means of a port or passage 75 and the port or passage 76 forms a communication between the compartments or chambers 63-73. Secured across the port or passage 76 is a disk or member 77 of any suitable material, which is provided with an aperture 78 of a diamcter considerably smaller than the diameter of the port or passage 75, so as toform a very restricted opening or passage between the compartments or chuu'ibers (33- 73. A suitable gauze or reticulated n'iatorinl 7f) muv be secured over and is spaced from the disc or member 77, and preferably within the compartment or "chamber 73. to prevent foreign matter from entering the aperture or opening 78 and clogging the same. If desired, the compartment or chamber 7? may be provided with an opening closed by asuituble closure 80, whereby access may be had into the compartment or chamber. The compartment or chamber (33 is also provided with an opening 81 through the side thereof, preferably opposite to the opening 76, into which is inserted one end of a tubular membe 82, the other end of which extends beyond the side thereof, and is preferably supported above and out of contact with the to 53 of the pneumatic.

Sec] red to the top 53 adjacent the-end opposite to the valve chamber is a fastening device preferably in the form of a plate 83 having an upstruck portion 84 bent in the form of a'li or hook preferably directed toward the lee end of the pneumatic and away from the valve chamber. Secured to the bottom 54 and ea or larger end of the pneumatic is an arm or pro ecting plate or lip 85 which is adapted to stand below and in close proximity to a lip or projection 86 on the piano action when the pneumatic is placed in position."

$ecured to suitable supports or brackets 87 on the piano casing is an air duct or channel 88 and spaced from and supported above this duct or channel preferably by means of spacing and supporting blocks 89 is a sec 'ond airduct or channel 90. These ducts or channels are preferablv polygonal in shape and closed at their ends. They are located in close proximity to the keyboard and extend substantially across the entire keyboard. Located between these ducts or channels preferably adjacent one end a chamber 91- with which the ducts or channels communi cote, preferably by means of the apertures or openings 92 (see- Fig. 6) and projecting into and communicating with this chamber 91 is one end of a tubular member 93. The lower face of each of the ducts or channels -J8----9(j is provided with countersunk portions 94 which open. through the rear edge (see Figs. 3 and 5) and secured across the open side is a strip or member 95 which is spaced from the bottom of the countersunk portion to form slots or openings 91?.

The. front walls of the ducts or channels are provided with apertur s 97. The pneumatic actions are secured in position by first passing the bent end of the plate 83 which is secured to the top member 53. into the countersunk portion 94., and shming the bent portion 84 into the slot or opening 96 between the bottom of the duct or channel and the strip or member For and at the same time iiistn'tin the free extremity of the. tubular member 82 into he aperture U? in the fr nt of the du t. or channel. With this arrangement it will be seen that the pneumatic actions may be quickly placed into position into the case and rcniovrd therefrom and that. the tubular member 82 which serves as a. support for one cod thereof also forms a eonnnunicating passage between the air (llitls or channels, and the cham er or roinpart Hit. The bent portion of the clip 8 as a m aiw to p event. the ex- 1;, who 1; iron 1 rom eing:

. mo far iii the ai duct or channel. at I 1 to." imino wi from tin; prion-- 4 manner to be described. the men;

projecting beyond the i her 54 will rise, causing the extension 85 to engage the lip or projection 86 on the piano action 52 to cause the hammer to strike the string. With this improved construction and arrangement, it will also be apparent i that the actions are not only independently i removable, but are so arranged and support- I ed that access may be freely had to any of them from the front of the piano oasc.

Supported by suitable brackets or supi ports 98 is the record holding frame 99 which also su orts the tracker-board 100, the lat- 1 PP I ter being provided with a series of air ducts -or channels 101 passing the rethrough. A I plurality of flexible tubes or pipes 102 are secured to the tracker board, each of which communicates with one of the air ducts or channels 101 and the other end of each is re- I movably secured to the free extremity of the tubular member 74 of one of the pneumatic 1 actions so as to permit the latter to be read I ily removed. l The ordinary perforated record 103 is held upon the spool 101, passes over the tracker I board 100, and is Wound upon the receiving spool or drum 105. The spool or drum .105 is rotatabiy supported lone end in a suiti able bearing in one side of the frame 99, and l by a suitable bearing supported by an upright or partition 99 adjacent and spaced i from the other side of the frame. The roller 1 or spool 104 is provided with a circumferential groove or depression 106 (see Fig. 31) for a urpose to be set forth, and jourinaled y one end in a suitable bearing in' i one side of the frame, the other end being 1 provided with a trunnion 1 having laterally l projecting lugs 1%, adapted to enter and be i hold in a slotted or recessed rotatable sleeve or bearing 109 mounted in the partition 99, l and secured to this rotatable sleeve or bearng" 10.). preferably on the outside of the partition 99 is a disk 110 provided with a laterally projecting ling or pin 111, one face of I which is 'n'eferably beveled for a purpose to i be set forth. i Secured to or carried by the end of the spool or drum 105, preferably the end adjacent the same side of the frame in which the ,slceve or bearing 1 is mounted, is jourinalcd a gear 112. 3 The partition 99 is spaced some distance i from the adjacent end of the frame 9!) and 5 secured across the front and rear edges thereof arc plate 112 which vare adjacent iaiul parallel to each other. Each of these i plates: is provided with a diagonally disposed suit 113 which slots are parallel with I each other and preferably incline downwardly toward the partition or standard I 9 A bodily movable member or support l ill is located between the plates 112", and l projecting from the front and rear 7, edge thereof is e. pin or projection [15. which i stand and are movable in the slots 113, so

dured as at 116, and parses through an aper tore or o 'iening 1.17 and serves to guide the lower end and hold the same against di r plai-en'ient. This, opt-nine, ll? is of Stlilh eient Sill) to p rmit the upper end of the member to roel; toward the partition 9!) when being; tli pltsfifth Journaled in the upper portion of this meinl'iei;preferably adjarent the projeetions .115. and in a suitahle hearing 11%, is a Hllll') shaft 119 Whieh held from tlll)l:lt'(lllt'llh in any (lOSllCal manner. This shalt l preferahlv located in line with the trunnion 107 of the record spool. and Supp rted by one emi and TO- tatahhtherewith is a dish 'llti whirh is prrt'erahlv lo ated adiarent to and is of the same sine as the (link 110. lrojt ing from the fare f this di: l is a lateral log or we tension 121 whirl: i provided nith a beveled or in ined 't'aee. i

These two dish: 110 and 120 are adapted to he hrought, into lose proximiti t eneh mher when the memller 11! i$ (lepre;- 'ed, s-o tha the lugw or iirojem time; 111 121 will ngage and interlock to lorm "hm-h for lurking the til hat'l 11S) and the nd i the rewrd :fllH wzielher.

f'hipportrd hv ahd r triiahl wi l the slid; haft 10 is 2* .wpro het wheel lf'l. and a laterallr IHtrlWflll}! lug: oi (Xi('l -:ltlll is urraeea-d on the *llll) h I. ll 1 preferably at a point hetween the spin-lot 122 and the memh r ill. The memher 11 i--1 normally held in il= extrenaupper 1): rlon with the projerlions' 115 at the top ml the slots 11:. and with the tll ,l{$ .111 7 lii l repainted preh erahlv liy illltlT-S f :1 wring? 12h one end (it whi h i eeiired to the mem er ill and the other to the l the frame (19. 'lhe lower extremity of the memher is p ovid d with proieetlrgy -ertion 1Q? farmed in any so itahle manner.

A l-iteh or dog 126 is pirotally Qopported iidjlittllb the lower 5rd of the. 1m mher 11-} by mean of a rod or hair '1)? parsing; trans- 'verxely therethroup'h. and w th it end journalrd in the partiti n .9M and the end of the frame 91' Th s lnt h or dog is provided with a Qhoulder 12% piwh-ral'ilr tornierl by securing a plate to the hue Ll eol' and which provided \\i h an ear or r tenrign 129 projertiug heyond the ide t the late: or (log. A spring!" 1% tlikft or re against the lam-h ul dog em foree the shoulder 12 i 'mrrd the member 11 1- i9 tr-prewar a 12 thereon will p11 under wt; or it the sho -dder 1528 t ioelc the and hold lilies disk; 1l --1"30 in Passing through mitahie slot o tenri to respectively ll! the end of the frame 99 and the partition 91) is one end of a flexible shaft 13 the other end of which is journaled in a suitahle support 1 31 seemed to the piano frame 50. On the extren'iity of th" er l whi h passes through the slots 1?. 1-1: is a pinion wheel 1214- \vhieh meshes with the gear H2 to rotate the, record ret'tbjllig' pe-()l or drum 105. This shaft, 133 paw through and has a hearing in the moi'ahle llltjlllli 114. Is adapted to he flexed when the i'neinher ll-t is (leprmsed to disengage the pinion 13-1 from the gear 112. Secured to and rotatahle with the shaft. 133 and loeated pret'emhly between the member 114-, and the partition 99 and in a direct line with the sprorket 19." is a s n'oehet 131). and paaring: around these sprockets is a chain or helt 13H.

Journaled preferahly at the base of the partition 99* and the end of the frame is a reek shaft 13?, one erd of whivh pro ects e vond the partition and terminat't a ja eot to and is, r-rl'vir Qpool or C1 parallel with the l'ttnl'tl redim? il -5, and secured to this shaft is an arm 13 whieh is ad: p'tcd to ngage and rest upon the sp ol or 11m 105. A mitahle spring 131' is pro ided to normaily tend to hold the arm 18 agaiiiat the spool or drum. t e-"am d aha: t the shaft 137 an arm 1R9 wlii-"h i lo ated adjarent to the pr jert'ion 1 on the pawl or latch 12?. and a-zlapted to engage the p ojection when ill. liat't l v 'oehed in a manner to he Fe: l'orzhto t. lateh or clog 126 to rel ase the member 11 1.

Pivolallv supported by the partition 99 mljaeent tlw top thereof is an arm 139. the free end oi whirl: reds; upon the record when Wound upon the spool '1 it a point- (lirertly {llHl Yt the groove or rem i -d portion 1th) in the pool it"! {lllil latter in p siti n. A ro -l h:i 1 H *1 journnled in the frailie l l and partition 9! with one end "il lfli it; an arm 1-11. the free end of which mi age/$- and rer h= inn-1: the arm.

Semired to the shaft l'hl an arm 1.4% the free extremity of which is adapted to he brought into a pmition in the path of movement of the leg or projection 123 on the stub shaft] 119 hen the latter rotated, and the arm 13?) drops into the groove or reresfi 111th in a nrmu r to he d-iiserilied, When the spool 10 1 vontaiiis any portion of the record the extremity of the arm "42 will he heid out or the path of movement; the e; or project on 1' A. suitable. 1; ring 1- on rnd at whirl; is soei e-i to the shut. 11 and the other to a able i pohm proteraoly one of the plates ii il now malty tends to rock the shaft; 140 to cause the extremity of the arm 14% to normally and to mow into the. Plilll oi the movement the lug or projection 123. The upper portion or top of the frame 99 may be re movably held in position in any suitable manner, preferably by means of bars or braces 144.

A suitable motor is provided to rotate the shaft 146, which preferably comprises a frame 145 suitably supported adjacent the shaft. Journaled in this frame is a shaft 146 provided with a plurality of cranked portions 117, and secured to this shaft is a sprocket wheel 148 arranged in line with a sprocket wheel 119 on the shaft 133, and passing around these sprockets is a chain'or belt 150. Any suitable means may be provided for tightening this chain or belt 150. Supported by the frame, pref-' erably above the shaft 146, is an air or suction chest 151, and secured to and supported by the bottom of the chest is a plurality of bellows or neumatics 152. Pivotally attached to the movablemem'ber 153, adjacent the large end of each bellows, is one end of a link or rod 154, the other end of which is connected to one of the cranks 147 of the shaft 146. These links are substantially of the same length and the cranks are so arranged that when the bellows or pneumatics are inflated or exhausted they will transmit a steady and continuous rotation to the shaft 133, through the medium of the sprocket wheels 1481-l9 and chain 150.

Attached to the movable member of each bellows or pneumatic, preferably adjacent the smaller end, is a chamber 156 which has communication 156 with the chest 151, preferably by means of a flexible member 157. The chamber 156 is provided with an exhaust aperture 158 which is adapted to be opened and closed b a valve or slide 159 which is supported by a plate 160 secured tothe chamber 156, the free end of which is bent upwardly as at 161 to form a track which is preferably spaced from the chamber and enters a groove or slot in the valve or slide 15.) for guiding and supportin; the latter in position. The upper edge of this valve or slide is held from displacement by a suitable keeper 162. livotally connected to this slide or valve 15!) isone end of a linlc 163 the other end of which is pivotally connected to the link 154. Thus it will he noticed that the operating link 154 for the shaft 146, the chamber 156, the slide or valve 159, and the operating link 1633 for the slide or valve 15!), are all secured to or supported by the movable member 153 of the bellows or pneumatic thereby permitting a compact arrangement and the positive operation of these parts within the smallest possible area of space. Secured to the outside of the frame It? and communi- :ating with the chest 151 is a chamber 161, which is provided with an aperture into which is inserted one end of a tubular mcmher 165. The chamber 156 may also be provided with openings provided with suitable closures 166, in order that access may be had into the chamber when desired.

A removable board or plate 167 is placed within the base of the piano below the keyboard, and is held in pos1tion in any desired manner, and secured to and supported thereby preferably at a point adjacent the center of the piano is the main air chest 168. Leading from this chest is a tube or pipe 169 which communicates with a combiner chamber 170 which in turn has communication with the tubular member 93, having communication with the air ducts or channels 88 90.

A double umper bellows 171 is supported bv' the bear or plate 167 and also has communication'with the chest or chamber 168 through the connection 172. A yoke 173 is connected by its ends to each side of the bellows pumper 171, and is in turn connected to a crank 174 by means of a link 175. A suitable motor 176 is geared or belted up to the crank 174, preferably by means of the belts 177178, and the intermediate nlley 179.

When the motor is started it operates the pumper bellows 171 to suck the air from thechest or chamber 168, which in turn draws the air through the open duct or channel 101 in the tracker-board 100, flexible member 102, primary pneumatic, air duct or channel 88-90, chamber 170, and flexible member 169 to operate the respective hammer in a manner to beset forth.

In order to create a steady suction as the pumper bellows is changing from one side to the other, a suitable balancing pumper bellows or receiver 180 may be provided, which has communication with the chest or chamber 168, and is collapsed by the suction through the chamber or chest 168. At the time the pumper bellows 171 is changing a suitable spring 181 will expand the pumper bellows 180 to draw the air from the chest, and when changed the force of the bellows 171 is sufiicient to overcome the tension of the spring 181 and will collapse the bellows 180; The chest or chamber 168 is provided with an aperture or opening 182 (see Fig. 16) located preferably on the end opposite to the end with which the tube or pipe 169 communicates, and this opening is covered with any suitable material, such as felt or. the like, through which the air may pass into the chamber or chest to flush the chest with air to render the pneumatic actions inactive through re-winding. This aperture or opening is closed by a valve 183, preferably spring controlled, and is provided with a lip 18 1 adapted to be engaged by a projection 183 on a pneumatic 186, which is supported by the board or plate 167, and which is similar in cohstruction to the pneumatic action 54. This pneumatic 186 has communication with the air chest or chamber 168 throu h the medium of the tube or pipe 187. Lea ing also from the pneumatic 186 is a tube or pipe 188, which communicates with a chamber supported b the frame 99, and communicating with an projecting from this chamber 189 is a tubular member 190 (see Fig. 28), the end of which is ada ted to be engaged and closed by a suita le closure 191 on the member 114, when the latter is in its extreme upward osition and the disks 110-120 are separate and when depressed the member 114 will move away from the end of the tubular extension 190 to open the same.

The end of the air chest or chamber 168 adjacent the tube or pipe 169 is provided with a slot 192 (see Fi 2) whichis adapted to be opened and closed by a suitable pivoted gate or valve 193 controlled by an operating bar or rod 194 extending to the front of the piano, and said gate or valve 193 is limited in its movement by means of a suitable guide 195. The object of this gate or valve is to regulate the tone or volume of the notes. If the opening 192 is entirely closed, a strong suction will be created through'the tracker-board as the entire force of the bellows 171 is exerted upon the chest, but as the valve 193 is moved to increase the o 181']- ing 192, air will be drawn into the c est through the opening and a weaker suction will take place through the tracker-board 100. Supported also by the board or plate 167 is a second double bellows 196, the movable sides of which are connected by a link 197, and a link 198 is pivotally connected to the top of one of the bellows, at one end, the other end being pivotally connected to the top of the double bellows 171, so that as said top rises and falls, the double bellows 196 will also be operated.

Communicating with a chamber 199 is an equalizing or balancing bellows 200, which is controlled by a spring 201. This bellows 200 has communication with the chamber 199 through the medium of the i and chamber 203 (see Fig. 27), and t is bellows also has communication with the double bellows 196 through the medium of the chamber 204, and the tubes or pipes 205; the chamber 201 being similar in construction to the chamber 203. The chamber 199 is connected to the chamber 164 by means of the pipe or tube 206, and provided with a tapering slot or opening 207, preferably arranged in the o osite side of the chamber; A suitable Sll e or valve 208 is supported and moves upon a guide 209, and is, prevented from displacement by means of a plate 210, the edge of which is preferably bent at an angle 211, and enters a groove or slot 212, in the slide or valve 208. A rock shaft 213 is journaled in a bearing 214, and a suitable hearing or hanger 215 on the chamber 168, and is provided uith an arm 216, the end of which is connected by a link 217 to the slide or valve 208. This shaft is rocked by a suitable handle 218 to move the slide or valve 208 to open or close the opening 207, so as to regulate the speed of the record feeding motor in the same manner that the valve or slide 193 controls the volume or the sound of the notes.

Supported in any suitable manner, preferably by means of the air duct or channel 90, is a magnet 219, referably in the form of coils and pivotal y supported in front of the coils by means of an arm or support 220 is an armature 221, which is notched to form a shoulder 222 adjacent to its free end.

An arm or lever 223 is pivoted to a sup port 224, and the free end of this arm or lever is adapted to be forced and held between suitable contact points 225, by means of a spring 220. Projecting from the side of the arm or lever is a pin or projection 227.

A pneumatic 228 similar inconstruction to the primary pneumatic action 54 is also supported by the air duct or channel 90 and projecting from the movable member 229 thereof is an arm or extension 230 which is adapted to engage the free end of the arm or lever 223 to raise the same out of engagement with the contact oints 225, and in a position that the shou der 222 will swing under and engage the projection or pin 227 when the bellows or pneumatic 228 is collapsed.

A tube or pipe 231 leads from the bellows or pneumatic 228 and communicates with the air duct or channel 90. A similar tube or ipe 232 leads from the pneumatic or polows 228 and communicates with a per or passage 233 in a valve casing 234 supported by the frame 99. This casin is provided with a chamber 235 with whic the port or passage 233 communicates, and said chamer opens through the casing and is covered with a suitable reticulated material 236.

A valve 237 is located within the chamber 235 and is controlled by a suitable sprin 238. This valve is connected to a rock-she t 239 which projects through the casing and secured to said shaft is an arm 240. The free end of this arm rests upon the record 103 when in place, and the spring 238 will keep the valve 237 closed to allow the port and means of the contact arms 245-246. When i for causing the contact points 245-246 to be moved in engagement, but preferably a check operated mechanism. For this pur pose the contacts 245-246 are inclosed within a. casing 249 having a removable closure 250 through which opens a check slot or chute 251. An arm or lever 252 is pivoted as at 253 within this casin and is preferably provided with a projection 254 adapted to engage one of the contacts 245-246 and move it into engagement with the other contact when the lever or arm 252 is rocked about its pivot.

The free end of the arm or lever 252 stands adjacent the end of the chute 251 so that when a check is deposited into the chute it will engage and depress'the adjacent end of the arm or lever 252, the extremity 255 of which may if desired move in a suitable guide or slot 256 to prevent lateral displacement of the arm.

In order to prevent the record 103 feeding too uick-ly from or on to the spool 104, a suita le brake 257 may be provided which preferably engages and exerts itspressure upon the stub shaft 109.

The operation of the pneumatic actions is as follows: When the air duct or channel 101 in the tracker-board 100 is closed by the record 103, the pneumatics will be expanded, but when a perforation in the record passes over the air duct or channel to open the same the suction caused by the bellows 171 through the chamber or chest 168, pipe or tube 169, and air ducts or channels 8890, will draw 'air through the tube or pipe 102 into the chamber 73 from where it passes or bleeds into the chamber 63 through the opening 7.8 in the disk 77. The normal position of the diaphragm 68 is down and tends to hold the valve upon the valve seat 65. The port or passage being much larger than the opening 7 8, the air entering the chamber 7 3 will pass more rapidly into the chamber 66 to relieve the suction u on the diaphragm to render the latter inactive,

the air being exhausted from the chamber 63 more rapidly than the supply of the air through the bleed hole 78, the valve 70 will be raised from its seat by' means of the closure or flat valve 57 actuated by the atmospheric pressure beneath the latter,

the non-resistant exhaust in 68 permitting;

such action. This will move the end of the stem 71 out of engagement with the projection 57 on the valve 57 which will allow this valve to close when the air will be exhausted from the bellows through the openipg 63,

v thereover.

tending to raise the valve 70 higher, and the pneumatic will be collapsed, causing the projection 85 to rock the piano action by means of the projection 86. By the time the air has been exhausted from the pneumatic the air will also be exhausted from the chamber 73 through the opening 7 8, the air duct or passage 101 in the tracker-board having been closed by this time by an im perforate portion of the record passing lVith the passage thus closed, a furthersuction through the chamber 63 will act directly upon the diaphragm 68 tending to draw the same downward. This move ment will cause the extremity of the stem 71 to engage the projection 57 on the valve 57 to unseat the latter. The opening of this valve will break the vacuum in the pneumatic and air will rush into the pneumatic to fill and ex nd the same, allowing the member 54 of t e pneumatic to drop, and the piano action 52 to rock back or assume its normal position. At the same time, the valve 70 will drop upon its seat 65. With this improved form of pneumatic action, and with the atmosphere above and below the diaphragm, the latter is simply lifted by the head 72 of the stem and in rising the confined air in the chamber 66 is expelled, thereby affording no resistance to the stem 71 except by itsvery slight weight.

It will be noted that the reticulated material 79 protects the opening 78 in the disk 77, and that any foreign matter drawn in through the tracker-board will accumulate ll the chamber 73, which may be readily removed through the opening closed by the closure 80. The accumulation of the particles of dirt in the chamber 73 will not interfere with the passa of the air, un less the chamber is entire full. This overcomes a very serious diihculty and is an essential'feature in the successful operation of the pneumatics.

With pneumatics constructed, attached and secured in position in the manner accordin to the principles of this invention, it willie may be removed without v the remaining ones, b simply d taching tlli tube or pi e 102, and flisengaging the 1510c jecting an of the tubular member 82, arid the clip or fastener 84. from the supportiii air duct or channel 88---90, and may iibe as readily replaced and attached. The action of the pneumatic 5228 18 the samefla'smhe pneumatic actions, but instead of being directly controlled by the re ord 103, is indirectly controlled thereby. by means of' the stop orlug 241 thereon, which is prcferablg arranged at the end of a plum) and Twine engages and rocks the arm 2m to remove the valve 237 to open the pm"! or passage 233 leading to the pneumatic. When this pncumatic 228 is collapsed it raises the aim or noted that any one or more f them interfering with 7 lever Q (i to break the motor circuit in the manner already se forth. the pneun'iatic 1.86 is also similar to the ac tion of the jiaieunnitic actions, hut when the pipe 188 leading thereto is opened, the collapsing of thepenumatic operates to unseat the valve 1S3 from the opening 182 n the air ch st or chaml'icr 113.. to permit air to enter the chest or chamber, tlnircby rclieving the suction upon thc air-ducts or channels to prevent the operatitm of the keys or sounding the notes when the records are be ing rewound. \Vhen the aperture 1H2 is open there is still enough pressure to operate pneumatic 19.6. but not the striking bellows. In ord r to prei'ent the entrance of dirt or other foreign matter into the chest or chamher through the opening 182, this opening may be covered or closed by any suitable materiai 258, such as. felt or the lik secured preferably over the opening on the side op positc to the valve 18 Thi material also serves to strain or siightly retard the air to prevent its rushing into the chest or chamher with great force or Velocity which would produce a roaring sound.

Having thus described the specific Opt-Ft tion of this exemplitication of one of the primary pncumatics, and the pneumatirs 2528 and 186, the gencral operation of this impro ed mechanism is as follows:

Assuming thc record to be on the spool or drum 104. and in position with one end extending across the tracker-board and secured to the spool or drum 105 in the ordinary manner with devices of this chara ter. and

with the pinion wheel 13 1 on the end of the flexible shaft 133, in mesh with the gear 11-2 on the spool or drum 1t c-1l'1 primary pncumatics and the. pneiuna 'ir-s G being full pf air or exprmded. and the arm or lcvcr .2251 re icd out of engagement with the conta ts 22 and in such a position that the lug or p i' iection 2327 will engag upon the, shou der 2222 on the arn'iature 221, as sliown mere clearly in Fig. 19. When the parts a re in this position, the projection 1".)1 on the member 114- will rest against the end 01'' and close the tubular member 190 leading to the pneumatic 156. and the arms 1219" 240 will engage andmi'st upon the record while the extremity dt 'thc arm 111 mil engage and he supported by the arm 139. in this position, a, check delivered into the casing 5 219 from the chute 2531 will engage and d pi tho fro: e d of the arm or lever ausing the arm" or projection 254 to mow the r-ontact .51 3 into cngagement with the ntact Ql tiier by c mpleting the cin The ((i'lln thus will attract, the armature 221, causing tho shoulder to more from under the broj ct ion on the arm or lever 293. Thus l'ttli'ilfiml. the spring 226 will force the. arm or lever 223 between the contacts 22?, there The action of and rest 1 i l l l 1 by completing the circuit through and atart ing the motor 176. This will rotate the crank 1H and through the medium of the rod or link .75 will operate the double bellows 171, eausing a suction on the chest or air chamber 168, and on the air ducts or channels 98- through the pipe 169, chamber 1711, and tubular member 93. Each of the pneumatic actions being connected to and ha ing "UHHHlil'liOittlOfl with the air ducts or channels Bo l-)0 in the manner already set forth, a suction will bo exerted upon each of the pneuinati-l: to collapse them when a p'i'rforation in the record 103 passes over the res wctive air duct or channel 101. The operation of the bellows 171 will operate the bellows 191%. which will respectively exhaust the air in the bQll()\S or pneumatic. 153. The expanding and collapsing of the respnctii'e bellows 1.73 will rotate the shaft 133, which in turn will feed the record by means of the pinion 131 and gear 112. This operation will continue until the record has reached the end of the piece. The balancing bellows or receivers 190-201) being for the purpose of equalizing the suction \vhilc S]) ()l or drum 1115. so as to hold the arm or bracket 1% out of engagement with the projection 125 on the lat h or dog 12 3. As the record is fed oil of the roller or spool 104, the arm 13! will more toward the periphery of the pool or roller by means ol the strain GXCIHil th reon by the spring 143, and will eontinnc to so more until the end of the pie e has been reached. At this time the end of the arm or projection 112 Will have. moved into the path of movement of the lug or lil'oiw'liuli 13-1.

The disk 11 will rotate with the spool or rollrr 11 1, while the d k 12) is rotated in the opposiie direction by means of the sprockets 22-4 13, and the chain 1211'). When tlm r cord has been entirely fed off ot the spool or roller Hit. the end of the arm 1339 Wlll drop nto the eircumlerential groove deprc the arm 111. under tho ,inllucnrc ot' spring 143 t assume a position to permit the end of the arm or projection 14! to assume a position in the, path of movon'icnt 13011 11 which will permit the and such a movement will depress the meml her 114' against the tension of the spring 124: and as the member is depressed the inclined slots 113 and projection 115 will cause the member 114 to move toward the partition 1c l)i in; the disks 1l0l20 in contact so that ,ivln-n rotated the projecting lugs 111 121 will engage to lock the disks. \Vhen the member 114 is depressed the end of the lleXiblc shaft 153? which passes therethrough will. also licdeprcssed to disengage the pinion iIH and the rear 11?. In this position the -lll;l|l(lll 128 on the dog or latch 126 will engage the shoiilder 125 on the member 114, and the latter will be locked inits depressed position. A further rotation of the shaft 133 in the same direction will then rotate the roller 104 to rewind the record on the roller 10-1, the arm 139 being. first raised by the operator to move the end of the arm or projection 142 out of the path of movement of the lug or projection 123. If desired a suitable latch 259 may be provided for maintaining the arm 139 in it raised posilion.

-.\s the record passes oil" of the roller or drum 107 and the diameter decreases. the :pring 1 17* tends to cau e he arm. 1% to mo e toward the spool and just as the arm ii' will engage the projections 12! to trip the dog or latch 126 against the tension of the r'iriillfj N30 to permit the spring 12; to return the member iiiio its normal position to dismigage the disks 110 120, and the pinion titl to engage the gear 112. The arm 13H ma then be released after a new record has been placed in position. The depression of the member Ill opens or uncovers the end of the. tubular men1bcr190 which permits the pneumatic 186 to be collapsed in a manner already set forth, to unseat the *alve 133 to permit air to enter the chest or chamber In, to prevent the operation of the pneumatic actions during the rewinding of the record.

The motor may be stopped by means of the projection 241 engaging and rocking the arm 240 to open the valve 237. which will permit the bellows or pneumatics to be collapsed in the manner already de scribed. to move the end of the arm or lever 230 out of engagement with the contacts 2 to break the circuit. A single cord may contain a plurality of pieces and in this event. and when desired to stop the motor at the end of each piece. a suitable projection 241 is secured to the record at the end ot each piece. Vith this improvement it will noticed that the operating mecha nism is secured to a single board or plate in the bottom of the instrument, and may be entirely removed without detaching any oi the parts.

In order that the invention might be fully "l'trlIP-i the spool the arm or bracket i259 understood, the details of an embodiment thereof ha vc been thus specifically described. but

\Vhat I claim is- 1. In a device of the class described, thc combination of a tracker board provided with a series of air ducts. a series of iudcpendcnt pneumatic actions, each including a valve device and constituting a. complete detachable unit, connections leading from the air ducts in the tracker board to the respective pneumatics, means for indcpendently supporting each of said actions, and a piano action having a disconnected ope rative relation to said pneumatic actions.

2. In a device of the class described, the combination \of a tracker board provided with a series of air ducts, a series of independent pneumatic actions, each including a valve device and constituting a. complete detachable unit, connections leading from the air ducts in the tracker board to the respective neumatics, a support, means for independently removably securing each of said actions to the support, and a piano action having a disconnected operative rclation to said pneumatic actions.

3. In a device of the class described, the combination of a tracker board provided with a series of air passages, means forming a duct or channel, a series of independent pneumatic actions supportedby said means and having communication With the duct or channel. connections between the air pas sages in the tracker board and the respec the actions, each action including a valve device and constituting a complete unit detachable from said supporting means, andv a piano action having a disconnected opera ti ve relation with said units.

4. In a device of the class described, the combination of a tracker board provided with a. series of air passages. a series of pneumatic actions. each including' a valve device inseparable therefrom and constituting therewith an independent detachable unit detachablv connected with said action. a connection between the air passages in the tracker board and the respective actions. and a connection between ali of said actions.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination of a trackei'-boai'd having a series of air passages. an air duct or chan nel. a series of independent pneumatic actions, means for removahlv securing said actions to the duct or channel. connections between said duct or channel and the pawnmatics. said connections also serving: {5 sup ports for the pncun'iatics, and connections between the air passages in the tracker board and the respective actions.

6. In a device of the class described. the combination of a tracker-board having a series of air passages, on air duct or channel,

iii

.me actions, 1:1 each oi the m' the class described, the a traokenboa rd having a *1 passages, an air duct or channel, of irnlcpendent pneumatic actions, reniovacly se-:.ruring one end. of

.12 actions to the duct or channel for "'vw'i ng i l end, said means forming a a ninnnieutioo between the duct or channel a and the notice al f longing means on the int-t vi clmnnei Etiiu'fllil actions for support-- in the other endof'thc latter, and connec n between the air passages in the trackerall i respective actions a device of the class (1 :ihed, the n c a tracker-imam having a use an air duct or channel,

7 slot in clip niimati sale .145 to enter the l exteml into the slot for S! .s end of the a f"; the air pa mi the res iiective actions.

llcilCi.) of the class dcscri r rd p r 6!," an aperture in one gcs in the thzirrru. nlar semi} said my" r tin z ne proj A all men-bezmi and titre n a 25?. in project into time in the wall and (omit-(" ons iiczween in air n the tYorkewhozu' i and tin V nmnel for supportmoms-s l the other wall, each of said recesses being 5 provided with a slot in one wall thereof, a l series of pneumatic actions a tubular meml'ecadjacent one end of the action communicating with and projecting beyond the pneumatic, a clip ad acent the other end of the action, said action being adapted to be secured to and supported by the air duct or channel b inserting the free end of the projecting tu ular member into the aperture in the wall thereof, and the cli into the recess, so as to project into the 5 t in the wall thereof, means for limiting the insertion of the tubular member into the air duct or channel, and connections between the air passages in the tracker board and the respective actions.

11. In a device of the class described, the con'ihination of a tracker board havin an air passage therethrough, a plurality 0 air ducts or channels, a combiner chamber forming a communication between the. ducts or channels, a plurality of series of inde endent pneumatic actions, means for detac ably and independently securing a series of $01 tions to each of the ducts or channels whereby one or more of the actions may be readily detached without interfering with or disconnections between the air passages in the iraclzer board and the resr ective actions.

12. In a device of the c ass described, the f combination of tracker board having a series of air passages therethrongh, an air duct or channel, a series of independent pneumatic actions remorably and independently supported by and having communication with the duct or channel whereby one or more ofthe actions may be readily detached Without interfering with or dismerm boring; any of the other actions, a communication between the air passages in the tracker board and the respective actions, means for exhausting the air from the duct or channel and the action for collapsing the priomnatics, and means for controlling the i i l I x l i l l l l l said actions from the air passages in the trucker board independently, each of said actions having a disconnected operative rei lotion with the piano action.

A 'menniatic action comprising a collapsible fluid chamber, casing for a lurality' o chambers, one of said cham rs communicating with'the fluid chamber, a valve in said chamber for controlling said communication, 0H8 of the chambers c0nstiiuting a diaphragm chamber, a diaphragm in said chamber, a chamber comm'unicaiting with the valve and diaphragm l cl'mznbers and provided with a fluid in at, an opening in the first said chamber coml mimi aring with the external air, a closure for in;- opening, means; operated by said I val e or controlling said closure and means i whereby the fluid may be exhausted from opening, means whereby the fluid may be exhausted from the valve chamber, means on the valve adapted to be engaged by the l diaphragm to seat the valve, and means also on the valve adapted to engage and open the valve in the collapsible chamber when the first said valve is seated.

15. A pneumatic action comprising a collapsible fluid chamber provided with an pening to the external air. a valve or said opening, a. casing provided with a chamber, said chambers having a mnnmunicatlng passage, a. valve in the last said chamber for closing the passage, a second chamber in the casing, a die hragm in. said sccoml cham her. a third chamber in the cosine; haw 1"- fluid inlet, said chamber anrl the al nlwr being provided with a restricted age thcrebetv een through which the may pass, said third chamber ml the imgru chamber being also pr bled 4 a commmiicating F ago of ,aetcr than the clianuw the said third eh,

1e b-v ineage; e, F pEXl r an he vane iiimr, mmilltiz ra mmiwi,

n b'ztl i sup nmrcnal hambeiyalso Wuhan the in! a emu-cc of fluid supply. said her having conmmnication with. the r r and supplemental chamber, th film with the supplemental saint of a. larger diameter that; the fi ii iii: the waive chamb ix ,wviwreb the fluid may be exhai: in to heat the valve, exhauet the fluid chamber,

and resent the valve to uncover the open ing in the fluid chamber to admit external air.

N. A pneumatic action, containing a valve chamber, a diaphragm chamber, and a fluid chamber, said fluid chamber having direct and unobstructed communication with both of the first said chambers, the communicatidn with the valve chamber being smaller than the communication Wifil the diaphragm chamber, a screen for prote ting the smaller passage, said fluid chamben'being provided with a fluid inlet, and an 0 which access may be had in the chamber and a closure for said opening, said valve chamber being provided with an outlet opening through which the fluid may be ex haust-cd from'all of the chambers.

18. A pneui atic action containin a valve ening through chamber, a diaphragm chamber, an a fluid chamber, said fluid chamber having direct and unobstructed communication with lmth of the first said chambers, means for reducing the communication to the valve rhaur her, a screen for protecting the said means and the reduced crmmiunimition, said fluid chamber being provided with a fluid, inlet, and an openiug through which accce; may be had into the chamber. and :1 closure for Said opening. mid twelve chamber being provided with an nut-let opening through which the fluid 21 a be exhausted From all of the chambers.

l9. A device of the choc deucribcd, including a musical inetrumcut casing, a seri s of independent pneumatic actions each iucludiug a valve device and constituting unite, and a common duct member connect ed with said uciious and supporliugr the series of units 'ithin the casing, each of said actiom; being dependently removable as a complete unit. and freely accessible from the front of the casing.

A. devi e of the Cilia described, inlucliugr a llillrlttll llifilllll-lltlli casing. a plurality of independentpncunmtic flOt-loils within the casing" each including a valve de vice and constituting units, and a single supp rt for said actions, having a duct connectml with the actions, said actions being: freely ac; seible from the front of the on ion; and independently detachable from the support and ts: coogi erating parts as comitlt'! units and Without interfering with any of the other ports of the instrument.

A device of the clue-e described includm5, a (using. a rifllis oi independent pneumatic actions, each including a valve device and constituting units, and a common duct member connected w th said actions-t for Endepw' entl i and detachably supporting it'nin the casing, said actione accessible rorn the front of the emova'cle a complete units, device of the class described, in;- 

